PUB regulars yesterday marked the end of an era with a bang - and as many other noises as they could make.

Paul and Rosaleen Conroy are bowing out of the Grey Horse pub, in Sherburn Terrace, Consett, County Durham, after 15 years of pulling and brewing pints.

To celebrate their last switch-on of the pub's Christmas lights, friends and regulars, led by Joe Toner, formed an ad-hoc band, featuring instruments such as whiskey bottles, Irish drums, maracas, penny whistle, triangle and harmonica.

Mr Conroy, 58, said: "Some of the instruments were home-made and the noise was absolutely dreadful, but it was very good fun."

In keeping with tradition, they asked a VIP to turn on the lights - regular Cedric Hanlon.

The Grey Horse is the oldest surviving pub in Consett, dating back more than 150 years.

Mr Conroy bought it in 1989 and has built up a region-wide reputation for real ales, bolstered by his successful Derwentrose micro-brewery.

"The regulars have really become our friends. It is that sort of a place," he said.

For the past six years, he has staged a real ale festival in August, which regularly attracts hundreds of enthusiasts.

Earlier this year, the pub was voted best in the Tyne-Tees region in the Abbot Ale Perfect Pub awards, run by Greene King.

Selling the free house has brought up mixed feelings for the couple, as it was the place where they met.

They will retire to the nearby village of Shotley Bridge.

"We knew we had to leave, but we are still coming to terms with it," said Mr Conroy. "It is a bitter-sweet feeling."